Hwange gaffer Tennant Chilumba yesterday said he needs nothing short of a win against Sudans Al Amal Atbara in the first round first leg of the Orange Caf Confederation Cup at the Colliery tomorrow.
Chipangano routed Zanzibars Jamhuri 7-1 in the preliminary round of the competition and Chilumba is confident his boys would upset the Sudanese at the Colliery.
I dont want to predict score lines, but Sunday is a win for us. We have worked on the boys fitness levels and everyone is geared up for the game. I know there is a big difference between the Sudanese and Jamhuri, but the league in Sudan is more or less the same like ours and South Africa.
We expect a tough match, but the boys are psyched up for the game and we have been working more on the tactical approach, Chilumba said.
The Zambian national said the boys were camped away in Victoria Falls and he had all his 25 players in camp with no one guaranteed a first team jersey.
We are in camp away from home because we just want the boys to concentrate and not lose focus and they know what is at stake here.
All 25 players are in camp and we dont want to guarantee any player a first team jersey. Everyone has gelled and is ready for the game. We have reduced strain on the boys and concentrated on ball work and everyone is raring to go, Chilumba said.
In camp at Hwange are goalkeepers Petros Mhari and Timothy Sibanda, former captain Gerald Ndlovu, Tonisani Sibelo, Eric Chipeta, David Boriwondo and Munyaradzi Mungadze.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The midfield has Ocean Mpofu, who had a splendid performance against Jamhuri at the Colliery on March 4, grabbing a brace in the 4-1 second leg victory of the preliminary round.
Also in midfield is Nkosana Siwela, Tawanda Mareya, Farai Vimisayi, Winston Mhango and Rodwell Chinyengetere, who scored back-to-back in Pemba and the Colliery.
Upfront, Chilumba has Allan Tavariswa, veteran Gilbert Zulu, young Francisco Zvikumbawire and Tongai Mamina.
Meanwhile, the Sudanese were expected to have a feel of the Colliery ground yesterday after landing in Harare on Thursday and being flown to Victoria Falls.
Their coach, Egyptian Mehmoud Izzecdeen is not new to Zimbabwe as he was part of the Zamalek outfit that thumped Dynamos 5-1 at Rufaro Stadium in 1995.
Upon arrival at the Harare International Airport on Thursday, Izzecedeen told NewsDay Sport Al Amal was ready for Hwange after bringing the best team, however, without centre striker, Nigerian Sooly Sherif due to injury.
Al Amal boast of five players who are in the national team, Sami Ailla, Tagig Mukhtar, Mohd Adam, Mohid Elatahir and Khalid Moh.
